TRENTHAM TRACK UPDATE & GUIDE

Please click for the nominations / acceptances / or final fields, via the NZTR weblink HERE

Latest track conditions are noted in the top line (just above the race times) with rail position and weather conditions

How we get the track rating

To ensure that there is a consistent method of measuring the ground conditions and being able to compare tracks nationally, all race tracks use a penetrometer. In its basic form, a penetrometer is a sharpened steel rod which has a standard weight dropped from a standard height to drive it in to the ground. The ground penetration is measured and converted to a standard reading. Softer ground will give higher penetration than harder ground. Standards for its use are provided by the NZRB

At Trentham, two penetrometer readings are taken every 200m along the racing surface which are then converted to a recognised scale from 1 (Fast, hard and dry) through to 11 (Heavy, very soft and wet).

Our aim at Trentham is to have as close to a "Good 3" racing surface as possible. Realistically, for meetings that fall out of the Spring and Summer period, rainfall, heavy dews, a raised water table, lack of suitable drying conditions, slower drainage etc are likely to mean conditions closer to the "heavy" end of the scale for Autumn and Winter meetings.